The film The Greatest of All Time (GOAT),
directed by Venkat Prabhu, is a Tamil-language action thriller that
showcases the multifaceted talents of its lead actor, Joseph Vijay.
Released on September 5, 2024, the film has generated a mix of
excitement and criticism, primarily due to its ambitious narrative and
the star power of its cast.Story Overview
The plot centers around MS Gandhi,
portrayed by Vijay, a highly skilled agent of the Special
Anti-Terrorist Squad (SATS). The story begins with Gandhi's double life
as a secret agent and a family man, struggling to balance his dangerous
profession with his responsibilities at home. The film unfolds with a
critical mission that leads to a series of events impacting his family,
particularly his son Jeevan, played by a de-aged version of Vijay
himself.The narrative is marked by themes of friendship, loyalty, betrayal, and redemption,
culminating in a climactic showdown that tests Gandhi's resolve and
skills. The film's runtime of over three hours allows for extensive
character development and multiple plot twists, although some critics
argue that the pacing suffers as a result.Cast and Characters
- Joseph Vijay as MS Gandhi / Jeevan
- Sneha as Anusuya, Gandhi's wife
- Prabhu Deva as Kalyan Sundaram, a fellow agent
- Prashanth as Sunil Thiagarajan, another member of the SATS team
- Ajmal Ameer as Ajay
- Jayaram as Nazeer, Gandhi's boss
- Yogi Babu and Premgi Amaren provide comic relief throughout the film.
The performances, particularly by Vijay, have been highlighted as a
significant strength of the film, with his ability to embody two
distinct characters being a focal point of praise. Critics note that his
charisma and screen presence carry the film, even when the script
falters.Viewer Comments and Critiques
Viewer reactions to The Greatest of All Time have been varied:-
Positive Feedback: Many fans of Vijay appreciate the film as a complete commercial entertainer,
praising its engaging screenplay, action sequences, and emotional
depth. The film's climactic moments and Vijay's dual role have been
particularly well-received. Some reviews highlight the "excellent massala movie" elements, combining drama, action, and humor effectively
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Critical Reception: On the other hand, some critics have pointed out the film's predictable plot and technical flaws,
particularly in CGI and pacing. The de-aging effects used for Vijay's
character have received mixed reviews, with some finding them awkward.
Critics have noted that while the film aims for grandeur, it often falls
into the trap of cliché storytelling, leading to a lack of originality
and depth
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Mixed Ratings: The film has received ratings ranging from 2.5 to 3.0 stars from various sources. While it is celebrated by hardcore fans, others find it lacking in substance, describing it as "all mass and no solid substance
Standout Performances
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Vijay shines in his
dual roles as the father Gandhi and the son Jeevan, delivering a
compelling performance that showcases his versatility and screen
presence
- . His ability to portray both the suave spy and the rebellious youth is a highlight of the film.
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Sneha and Vijay share a strong on-screen chemistry, with their reunion after 21 years adding a nostalgic charm to the movie
- . Their performances as the troubled couple bring emotional depth to the story.
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Yogi Babu and Premgi Amaren provide effective comic relief, with Yogi Babu's portrayal of the Gandhi-Nehru bit being particularly memorable
Climax and Action Sequences
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The climax scene, set during a live CSK match, is
considered a fan-pleaser but is also criticized as a bit of a drag due
to the film's overall length
- .
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The action sequences, while entertaining, are just
about average and do not stand out as exceptional compared to recent
Tamil films
- .
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The face-off scenes between the young and old
versions of Vijay's characters are engaging and showcase the actor's
physical prowess
Criticisms and Comparisons
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The film's story follows a very familiar template,
and the narrative is easy to predict, leading to a lack of originality
and depth
- .
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While the de-aging technology used for Vijay's
character is well-crafted, its effectiveness is debated, with some
finding it awkward
- .
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Compared to Vijay's recent successful films like
"Bigil" and "Varisu", "The Greatest of All Time" falls short of matching
their intensity and impact
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However, the film still delivers the classic Vijay formula with familiar elements that are sure to entertain his fans
Conclusion
Overall, The Greatest of All Time
serves as a showcase for Vijay's enduring appeal and versatility as an
actor. While it may not achieve the lofty ambitions suggested by its
title, it offers a blend of action, drama, and entertainment that caters
to its target audience. The film's success at the box office is
anticipated, with projections suggesting it could gross between 600 to 1000 crore globally, reflecting the strong fanbase and commercial viability of its lead actor
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